I expect listing agents to be far more knowledgeable and skilled in their market and pricing to be able to accurately price a property - heck if i can after watching the local market for 6 months they should - I asked a well known agency for a price evaluation they gave me a 2 inch thick binder and stated X amount - I said nope it's worth more and went with a discount broker and sold it for 25k more.

I know guys who do it but you have to have some cash to prove you are serious, some patience to wait out the process, and thick skin. 

I have always been partial to cast iron if it's thick enough  ; )

The ONLY flaw that I can visually see is that the first floor has some beautiful tile (not sure on the type... it's really thick tile and kind of like stone or slate?)

Will 1/4" cement board (or 1/2") plus tile thickness cause an issue with stair heights?

Hi I'm Eric Moe and I'm in the thick of developing my second project, a boutique hotel and event center and excited to reach out to this network of experienced piers. 

Wow you really are in the thick of it and in a wonderful area.

@Jay Leisten On the listing side, i have a realtor that has stuck with me through thick and thin.

You certainly could purchase another place retail so long as you are 100% sure you are willing and able to hold long term through thick and thin, and you would still likely do very very well in the bay area if you did that.

@Samson Tefera how thick is the flooring in that room (w/ the laminate) compared to the room next to it?